HC Deb 08 April 1974 vol 872 cc15-6
18. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will make a statement on his discussions with Mr. Jocelyn Stevens, managing director of Beaver-brook Newspapers, and Sir Hugh Fraser on the future of the Glasgow Evening Citizen and the Scottish Daily Express.

Mr. Shore

I made a full statement to the House on 27th March.—[Vol. 871, c. 467–9.]

Mr. Dalyell

Is the invitation given by my constituent, Mr. Alistair Mackie, father of the chapel, for departmental participation in the meeting on Wednesday morning between employees and representatives of Scottish industry likely to be accepted?

Mr. Shore

I was not aware of this meeting until a short time ago. My regional director in Scotland is in continuing touch with the action committee there.

Mr. Teddy Taylor

Would the right hon. Gentleman be prepared to support or co-operate in the feasibility study which the redundant staff have asked for?

Mr. Shore

As I told representatives of the action committee when they came to see me, we are prepared to consider seriously and sympathetically any proposals they put forward. That obviously would also cover a serious proposal for a feasibility study, in which we would be prepared to help if we could.

Mr. Hugh D. Brown

Is my right hon. Friend aware that a specific request has been in the hands of the Government for a week and that it would be irresponsible to have an official at the meeting on Wednesday unless there is something to announce by that time?

Mr. Shore

I will take account of that point and I will see to it that we are in a position to make a proper response then.